We had the great pleasure of playing at Darren and Sarah’s medieval wedding at Raven Hall Hotel and Country Club just between Scarborough and Whitby. It was an absolutely fantastic event in a remarkable location. The pictures tell the story our Jesters Richard and Tim certainly added to the excitement.

Here’s what Julia, Sarah’s mum had to say about our performance

‘Hi all, I would just like to say a big thank you for the wonderful show you put on at our daughter’s wedding on Saturday 29th September 18. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. It was great fun and helped make Sarah and Darren’s day extra special’.

Many thanks to John and Paula Hopkins for the photos from the wedding. To book the Grinnigogs call 07877434739

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Chris our violinist managed to grab a little video of us playing for the guests dancing at the Leeds Armouries Museum on saturday night. This is a tune called Horses Branle and it has a great for dance. To book The Grinnigogs for your event call 07877434739.

Here’s what Russell had to say about us after we played at his wife’s 60th birthday at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on saturday night:

‘Good morning Quentin,
Thank you to you and the Grinnigogs for a great evening on Saturday at the Royal Armouries. You all worked very hard to get everyone up and dancing medieval style, and we have had great feedback from our friends and family about the party.

Please thank everyone in the group on our behalf, the Grinnigogs performance and personal attention to getting it just right for our celebration was much appreciated.

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We played a beautiful wedding at Grange Barn Coggeshall, Chris Heron sang ‘Rude’ and ‘Marry that girl’ for the bride and groom’s first dance and then we played for dancing and listening throughout the evening much to the delight of family and friends. With Ceilidh dancing, impromptu dancing and strolling minstrels the atmosphere was magical in the mid summer evening sunshine If you are planning a medieval wedding give Quentin a call on 07877434739 and he can advise you on pricing and availability for The Grinnigogs.

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The Grinnigogs have played for many Handfastings over the years. Thier unique music played on Hurdy-Gurdy, Bagpipes, Hammer Dulcimer and percussion add tremendous atmosphere, sense of occasion and magic to any Handfasting or partnership blessing.

The term Handfasting is a historical term for “betrothal” or “wedding”. In the Early Modern history of Scotland (16th and 17th centuries), especially in the Hebrides, the term could also refer to a temporary marriage. Handfastings are now widely used by modern pagans as an alternative to a church or civil wedding.

Some pictures of Philip and Hilary’s Handfasting held in an Orchard in Hull.

We can play whilst as a part of the ceremony, as your guests feast. We also offer a bespoke music service if you have some special musical requests, supply additional entertainment and call for dancing or even provide a full on medieval rave band in the form of Celtarabia

‘We cannot thankyou you all enough for yesterday. You were truly amazing we loved the music, dancing and tarot readings. My son is still talking non stop about the magic tricks you taught him. It was all, just fantastic. Thankyou so much xx’ Catherine James

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If you are planning a medieval wedding ‘The Grinnigogs’ are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event. The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bagpipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertainment to suit all budgets, from an intimate ceremony to a huge gathering for family and friends.

A medieval dance is a wonderful alternative or warm up for a disco. Our dance leader and musicians will guide you through a variety of period dances, including the notorious Horses Brawl and Bear Dance. The music is lively and exciting with an emphasis on fun and participation.

Depending on the venue and the number of guests, The Grinnigogs will perform without amplification where possible. For larger gatherings amplification may be necessary and we can provide everything that is required all our equipment is PAT tested and is covered under our 5 million Pound Public Liability Insurance.

We can also supply fortune tellers, storytellers, jesters, magicians and acrobats to keep adults and children entertained, a medieval master of ceremonies to introduce the food, the speeches and amuse all with humorous asides and medieval games, challenges and riddles.

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Many thanks to Richard and Mickey our Jesters for their japes and diversions throughout the evening, Amanda Lowe for her tall stories and dance calling, the men at Arms for the medieval sword play, the Atom Brewery for the wonderful ale and of course the inimitable Grinnigogs Band for their music.

Here’s what Helen Watson the event organiser had to say about the event:

‘The Grinnigogs are unbelievable! It is one of the best nights entertainment I have experienced for such a long time. The story telling lady was amazing, the musicians were fantastic within the beautiful setting of the Minster, the jesters and stilt walkers were spellbinding. It was a wonderful; evening that I will never forget. Thank you to all the Grinnigogs, jesters and stilt-walkers that made it happen.

The rest of the weekend worked well too and I think a lot of people learnt more about Agincourt and mediaeval times in Beverley.

Please keep me posted of any other events you are at locally as my friends and I would come along, we loved it all , especially the dancing!’

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We are really excited to be playing at Beverley Minster with such a large team – tickets sales have gone through the roof since our publicity push on friday – we have musicians, jesters, stilt-walkers, medieval combat, a fanfare playing herald and a story-teller it really is going to be an amazing night.

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‘Echoes of the Silk Road’ is a special concert programme of music and spoken word featuring arrangements and interpretations of music inspired by the incredible fusion of cultures, religions, lifestyles found along the medieval ‘Silk Road’ which stretched from China through the Middle East across Europe and into Ireland in the west.

Amanda Lowe says:

‘My instrument, the Hammer Dulcimer, evolved through the cross-cultural fertilisation of traders, warriors and pilgrims who met along the Silk Road. It is found in many countries along the route, each area creating distinctly different Dulcimers to suit the local music.’

‘These concerts feature two unusual instruments: Hammer Dulcimer – a precursor of the piano and Hurdy Gurdy – a medieval wheel violin. During the performance we will also be weaving tales and legends from the different countries. We ainim to perform this music in beautiful historic buildings with fine acoustic properties’.

A thousand years ago, the Chinese had built up a vibrant trade route with the west, feeding the medieval world’s desire for the opulence and luxury of silk which was produced by a closely guarded secret process in China. Silk became a trading currency, and exchanged hands many times by different traders along the journey, each time increasing in value.

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Storytelling improves children’s listening skills, their concentration and their imagination.

Invite a storyteller into your school and see the difference they can make.

Mandi Budworth brings stories to life in her unique theatrical way, myths & legends, heroes and villains, old and new, stories to suit every setting, age group and curriculum.

Mandi can hold audiences spell-bound with stories that are funny, thought-provoking, participatory, can be scary, and all are entertaining.

Special one-day themes include:
• Stories from the heart – stories around the theme of the heart
• Costumed-character storytelling tales from: Victorian/Elizabethan England, Greek myths and legends, WW2 stories and songs.
• Stories from around the world
• Traditional stories and songs for KS1 and reception
• Starting a new project? Start it off with some inspiring stories.

Story workshops for KS2:
How to write stories – How to bring a story to life – What makes a good story?

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The Grinnigogs champion active participation in all kinds of traditional folk music, song and dance activities in primary schools. We offer Morris Dancing, Barn dancing, Dance and Action Songs and Maypole Dancing. All Grinnigogs Folk Dance activities come with a free music CD and teacher’s notes so you can carry on dancing after the event.

MORRIS DANCING
Your pupils can learn and experience the thrill of Morris Dancing: the steps, figures and stick clashing, all accompanied by live music. Morris Dancing is great for all pupils, but particularly getting older boys into dance activities. We think it’s all about the sticks, bells and leaping about. KS2.

BARN DANCING
Your children will learn and experience the basics of country dancing. This workshop focuses on active participation and helps to develop team working, co-ordination and teaches the children to enjoy social dance activities – Barn Dances and Ceilidhs. Once the pupils get over the horror of girls holding hands with boys, they love it! KS2

DANCE & ACTION SONGS
Developed for young children or older children with English as a second language, this workshop features simple dances and songs with actions. This workshop is designed to develop concentration, co-ordination and oracy.

MAYPOLE DANCING
This workshop focuses on teaching some traditional weaving figures. We use our own portable maypole or can work with school or community maypoles to create eye-catching performances. We can work with KS2 children or work with teachers to support regular dancing within the school timetable.

To book The Grinnigogs for your school, or to find out more about us, contact us
Tel: 07877434739 or email: grinnigogs@btinternet.com The Grinnigogs have enhanced CRB certificates and hold relevant public liability insurance.

PS. We also have a great barn dance band for school parties and PTFA events.

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The Hull Victorian Christmas 2014 event was a huge success. Numbers will be announced next week, but we think we can safely say last year’s numbers were beaten! The weather was exceptionally mild and we had a ball playing Victorian street music for the large crowds. With Hurdy-Gurdy, English Bagpipes, Cittern, Hammer Dulcimer and Violin we played a great selection of Christmas tunes – to an appreciative family audience drawing large crows and entertaining them with fine music and great banter. You can see some photos of the event below. I need to say a big thankyou to Bryony Booth for taking them and allowing us to use them.

We also got to meet local BBC news anchorman and TV presenter Peter Levy!

Here’s what the Annika the event organiser had to say about our work “thank you very much for taking part and doing such a wonderful job, you were fantastic and really added a wonderful atmosphere to the day!”

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Queen Victoria and her Consort Prince Albert’s Victorian Christmas celebration and market at Hull Museums, in collaboration with Heritage Learning, Hull BID and Trinity Open Market. Immerse yourself in Victorian traditions as you step into Christmas past!

We are really l looking forward to playing some victorian music on Hurdy Gurdy and Hammer Hammered Dulcimer at this event on saturday. I think we will be hitting the christmas repertory with gusto!

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If you are planning a medieval celebration, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate ceremony to a huge gathering for family and friends.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

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If you are planning a medieval event in Summer – a celebration, banquet, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate event to a huge gathering.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

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If you are planning a medieval celebration, banquet, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate ceremony to a huge gathering for family and friends.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

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The Grinnigogs bring a wonderful Medieval flavour to any Christmas event – not only are they amazing musicians, but they are marvelous entertainers, with their love of tall tales, amusing anecdotes and comic verse.

Dressed in full medieval costume and playing Hurdy-Gurdy and Hammer Dulcimer (and on occasions, Medieval bagpipes and shawms!), The Grinnigogs play a cornucopia of popular Christmas tunes from the Middle Ages to add a touch of seasonal sparkle.

The Grinnigogs can perform indoors or outdoors, solo or together, from a fixed spot, or wandering, and if you would like to add more performers, storytellers, fortune tellers, or any other street entertainment to your event, all you have to do is ask, we have been entertaining for over 20 years and have many unusual contacts!

The Grinnigogs repertoire includes many medieval christmas favourites including:

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The Grinnigogs bring a wonderful Victorian flavour to any event – not only are they amazing musicians, but they are marvelous entertainers, with their love of tall tales, amusing anecdotes and comic verse.
Dressed in full Victorian costume and playing Hurdy-Gurdy and Hammer Dulcimer (and on occasions, Victorian bagpipes!), The Grinnigogs play a cornucopia of popular Christmas tunes from the Victorian era to add a touch of seasonal sparkle.
The Grinnigogs can perform indoors or outdoors, solo or together, from a fixed spot, or wandering, and if you would like to add more performers, storytellers, fortune tellers, or any other street entertainment to your event, all you have to do is ask, we have been entertaining for over 20 years and have many unusual contacts!

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If you are planning a medieval event in December – a celebration, banquet, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate family celebration to a large corporate event.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

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If you are planning a medieval event in September a celebration, banquet, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate ceremony to a huge gathering for family and friends.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

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If you are planning a medieval event in October – a celebration, banquet, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate ceremony to a huge gathering for family and friends.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

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If you are planning a medieval event in November – a celebration, banquet, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate family celebration to a large corporate event.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

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If you are planning a medieval event in Summer don’t panic it’s not too late to make a booking – The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate event to a huge gathering.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

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It’s not often that we get asked to play for medieval reenactors with our big band and a huge PA and lighting rig but when we do the results are spectacular – the sound huge and the need to dance all pervasive here are some images and footage from just such an occasion – filmed at Harewood House Medieval Weekend

If you want us to perform at your event – call us on 07877434739 or email grinnigogs@btinternet.com

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We had the pleasure of playing for a banquet at the amazing Barley Hall in York here are some images the venue is delightful and the food is spectacular.

The oldest parts of Barley Hall date from about 1360, when the Hall was built as the York townhouse of Nostell Priory, the monastery near Wakefield in West Yorkshire. A new wing was added in about 1430. Soon after, the Hall became the home of a leading York citizen, William Snawsell goldsmith, Alderman and Lord Mayor of York. It is a great place to have a medieval celebration of any kind!

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We played an amazing wedding celebration at the the venue and surroundings are superb the Bedern Bunk House was used as a large room for the feasting, dancing and merry making – the evening finished with a torch lit circle dance under the stars in the moonlit shadows of the abbey – perfect.

So if you are planning a medieval event at The Barden Bunk Barn and need to book medieval entertainment? The Grinnigogs are medieval minstrels experienced in providing music and entertainment at medieval banquets, weddings, handfastings, parties, themed evenings and corporate events.

The Grinnigogs specialise in the performance of Medieval and Tudor and music.The Grinnigogs Minstrels have surprised, delighted and entertained audiences all over the world. Playing exciting, uplifting and sensual music on a diverse range of instruments using a variety of medieval instruments like Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy-Gurdy, Bagpipes, Shawms, Percussion, Violin and Cittern – they can perform as soloists, as a duo or as a band with up to seven virtuoso musicians.

The Grinnigogs also offer medieval story-tellers, jesters, jugglers, magicians, stilt-walkers and fortune tellers to add theatricality and spectacle to any event.

The Grinnigogs work from a fixed spot or as strolling players and can perform acoustically or with amplification.

The Grinnigogs have achieved National and International acclaim having appeared at many prestigious British Arts festivals. They have toured Japan, Eastern Europe, Belgium, Holland and Germany. They offer music for all kinds of events, and are hugely popular for weddings, street performances, historical sites, corporate themed parties and complete banquet entertainment.

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It’s not often that we get asked to play for medieval reenactors with our big band and a huge PA and lighting rig but when we do the results are spectacular – the sound huge and the need to dance all pervasive here are some images and footage from just such an occasion – filmed at Harewood House Medieval Weekend

If you want us to perform at your event – call us on 07877434739 or email grinnigogs@btinternet.com

Like this:

We had the pleasure of playing for a banquet at the amazing Barley Hall in York here are some images the venue is delightful and the food is spectacular.

The oldest parts of Barley Hall date from about 1360, when the Hall was built as the York townhouse of Nostell Priory, the monastery near Wakefield in West Yorkshire. A new wing was added in about 1430. Soon after, the Hall became the home of a leading York citizen, William Snawsell goldsmith, Alderman and Lord Mayor of York. It is a great place to have a medieval celebration of any kind!

Like this:

If you are planning a medieval event in Summer don’t panic it’s not too late to make a booking – The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate event to a huge gathering.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

Like this:

If you are planning a medieval event in December – a celebration, banquet, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate family celebration to a large corporate event.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

Like this:

If you are planning a medieval event in November – a celebration, banquet, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate family celebration to a large corporate event.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

Like this:

If you are planning a medieval event in Summer – a celebration, banquet, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate event to a huge gathering.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

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If you are planning a medieval event in October – a celebration, banquet, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate ceremony to a huge gathering for family and friends.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

Like this:

If you are planning a medieval event in September a celebration, banquet, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate ceremony to a huge gathering for family and friends.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

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The Grinnigogs bring a wonderful Victorian flavour to any event – not only are they amazing musicians, but they are marvelous entertainers, with their love of tall tales, amusing anecdotes and comic verse.
Dressed in full Victorian costume and playing Hurdy-Gurdy and Hammer Dulcimer (and on occasions, Victorian bagpipes!), The Grinnigogs play a cornucopia of popular Christmas tunes from the Victorian era to add a touch of seasonal sparkle.
The Grinnigogs can perform indoors or outdoors, solo or together, from a fixed spot, or wandering, and if you would like to add more performers, storytellers, fortune tellers, or any other street entertainment to your event, all you have to do is ask, we have been entertaining for over 20 years and have many unusual contacts!

Like this:

The Grinnigogs bring a wonderful Medieval flavour to any Christmas event – not only are they amazing musicians, but they are marvelous entertainers, with their love of tall tales, amusing anecdotes and comic verse.

Dressed in full medieval costume and playing Hurdy-Gurdy and Hammer Dulcimer (and on occasions, Medieval bagpipes and shawms!), The Grinnigogs play a cornucopia of popular Christmas tunes from the Middle Ages to add a touch of seasonal sparkle.

The Grinnigogs can perform indoors or outdoors, solo or together, from a fixed spot, or wandering, and if you would like to add more performers, storytellers, fortune tellers, or any other street entertainment to your event, all you have to do is ask, we have been entertaining for over 20 years and have many unusual contacts!

The Grinnigogs repertoire includes many medieval christmas favourites including:

Like this:

If you are planning a medieval celebration, banquet, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate ceremony to a huge gathering for family and friends.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

Like this:

If you are planning a medieval celebration, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate ceremony to a huge gathering for family and friends.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

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It’s never too late to book medieval entertainment! We work as full time medieval musicians and entertainers so if you have a last minute cancellation or emergency at your medieval event or celebration feel free to give us a call we love performing and if we can help you out we will – our email is grinnigogs@btinternet.com or you can call 07877434739 – to find out more visit grinnigogs.co.uk

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Amanda Lowe and Jill Fisher are ‘Occam’s Razor’ they play a a mixture of Medieval, Renaissance !8th and 19th Century tunes that they have finely crafted into a unique and beguiling sound – the combination of violin and hammer dulcimer being unusual and delicate with a delightful underlying bit of welly and the potential to really fly.

What is Occam’s Razor?

Occam’s (or Ockham’s) razor is a principle attributed to the 14th century logician and Franciscan friar William of Ockham. Ockham was the village in the English county of Surrey where he was born.

The principle states that “Entities should not be multiplied unnecessarily.” Sometimes it is quoted in one of its original Latin forms to give it an air of authenticity:

In fact, only the first two of these forms appear in his surviving works and the third was written by a later scholar. William used the principle to justify many conclusions, including the statement that “God’s existence cannot be deduced by reason alone.” That one didn’t make him very popular with the Pope.

Many scientists have adopted or reinvented Occam’s Razor, as in Leibniz’s “identity of observables” and Isaac Newton stated the rule: “We are to admit no more causes of natural things than such as are both true and sufficient to explain their appearances.”

The most useful statement of the principle for scientists is
“when you have two competing theories that make exactly the same predictions, the simpler one is the better.”

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We played at the Harewood House Medieval Faire as a four piece band – with our Medieval Dancing Master – and a fine time was had by all – Steve Haswell called the medieval dances and the combination of Hudy-Gurdy, Bagpipes (Quentin Budworth) , Hammer Dulcimer (Amanda Lowe) , Violin (Jill Fisher) and Percussion (Zebedee Budworth) prooved irresistible to the dancers – calling medieval and renaissance dances from all over Europe the band played tunes like the Horses Branle, The Bear Dance, Branle de Bourgogne and La ride and the dancers participated in some lively exciting period dances to authentic medieval music – a great Yorkshire knees up!

It was a lovely evening with a superb PA and lights provide by Chris Broadwell and Tim Wall of CATV who did a fantastic job for the band.

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It’s never too late to book The Grinnigogs! If you are planning a medieval celebration, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate ceremony to a huge gathering for family and friends.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact: grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

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The North’s most spectacular Medieval Festival is happening at Harewood in the height of summer… here is the link to a special gig we are playing on friday 29th of June in the evening. We are really looking forward to some great medieval antics – we are joined by our guest caller Steve Haswell from the Hessle Ceilidh Band – who will be leading everyone a merry dance – he has some very silly dances!

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If you are planning a medieval celebration, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate ceremony to a huge gathering for family and friends.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact: grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

Like this:

If you are planning a medieval celebration, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate ceremony to a huge gathering for family and friends.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

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We played an amazing wedding celebration at the the venue and surroundings are superb the Bedern Bunk House was used as a large room for the feasting, dancing and merry making – the evening finished with a torch lit circle dance under the stars in the moonlit shadows of the abbey – perfect.

So if you are planning a medieval event at The Barden Bunk Barn and need to book medieval entertainment? The Grinnigogs are medieval minstrels experienced in providing music and entertainment at medieval banquets, weddings, handfastings, parties, themed evenings and corporate events.

The Grinnigogs specialise in the performance of Medieval and Tudor and music.The Grinnigogs Minstrels have surprised, delighted and entertained audiences all over the world. Playing exciting, uplifting and sensual music on a diverse range of instruments using a variety of medieval instruments like Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy-Gurdy, Bagpipes, Shawms, Percussion, Violin and Cittern – they can perform as soloists, as a duo or as a band with up to seven virtuoso musicians.

The Grinnigogs also offer medieval story-tellers, jesters, jugglers, magicians, stilt-walkers and fortune tellers to add theatricality and spectacle to any event.

The Grinnigogs work from a fixed spot or as strolling players and can perform acoustically or with amplification.

The Grinnigogs have achieved National and International acclaim having appeared at many prestigious British Arts festivals. They have toured Japan, Eastern Europe, Belgium, Holland and Germany. They offer music for all kinds of events, and are hugely popular for weddings, street performances, historical sites, corporate themed parties and complete banquet entertainment.

Like this:

We played an amazing wedding celebration at the the venue and surroundings are superb the Bedern Bunk House was used as a large room for the feasting, dancing and merry making – the evening finished with a torch lit circle dance under the stars in the moonlit shadows of the abbey – perfect.

So if you are planning a medieval event at The Priest’s House and need to book medieval entertainment? The Grinnigogs are medieval minstrels experienced in providing music and entertainment at medieval banquets, weddings, handfastings, parties, themed evenings and corporate events.

The Grinnigogs specialise in the performance of Medieval and Tudor and music.The Grinnigogs Minstrels have surprised, delighted and entertained audiences all over the world. Playing exciting, uplifting and sensual music on a diverse range of instruments using a variety of medieval instruments like Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy-Gurdy, Bagpipes, Shawms, Percussion, Violin and Cittern – they can perform as soloists, as a duo or as a band with up to seven virtuoso musicians.

The Grinnigogs also offer medieval story-tellers, jesters, jugglers, magicians, stilt-walkers and fortune tellers to add theatricality and spectacle to any event.

The Grinnigogs work from a fixed spot or as strolling players and can perform acoustically or with amplification.

The Grinnigogs have achieved National and International acclaim having appeared at many prestigious British Arts festivals. They have toured Japan, Eastern Europe, Belgium, Holland and Germany. They offer music for all kinds of events, and are hugely popular for weddings, street performances, historical sites, corporate themed parties and complete banquet entertainment.

Like this:

If you are planning a medieval celebration, themed party, wedding, handfasting, or blessing ceremony, The Grinnigogs are a perfect way to set the scene and create the right ambience. Music is a lovely way to enhance the atmosphere and emotion at your special event.

The Grinnigogs specialise in performing medieval style music on Hammer Dulcimer, Hurdy Gurdy, bag-pipes and cittern.

The Grinnigogs can tailor the entertaiment to suit all budgets, from an intimate ceremony to a huge gathering for family and friends.

The Grinnigogs are professional musicians so you can book them to play at any time on any day of the week to book them contact: grinnigogs@btinternet.com or call 07877434739

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What our customers say

The Grinnigogs are unbelievable! It is one of the best nights entertainment I have experienced for such a long time. The story telling lady was amazing, the musicians were fantastic within the beautiful setting of the Minster, the jesters and stilt walkers were spellbinding. It was a wonderful; evening that I will never forget. Thank you to all the Grinnigogs, jesters and stilt-walkers that made it happen.
Please keep me posted of any other events you are at locally as my friends and I would come along, we loved it all , especially the dancing!

Kind regards
Helen Watson, FILCM
Town Clerk
Beverley Town Council

'I have been meaning to drop you a line to say a really big thank you for being so great on Saturday. Everyone is still talking about how lovely the music was and how people in the tea room of all ages were engrossed in the stories. It worked so well in that space and really conjured up the atmosphere so well. The Abbey having been closed for several years after post fire restoration, this event I think gave people a real boost and brought the place to life'.
Naomi W

We hope to do other events on a similar theme again so I will definitely be looking you up!
'Please can you pass on my sincere thanks to Amanda and Kate for their performance on Friday – they occasioned so many positive comments from our guests, and they really added to the atmosphere on the night. Please find attached an image from the night from our photographer – as you can see, they looked brilliant!' Lauren The Events Assistant Harewood House.

Thanks to all 3 of you, you helped make a very special day magical, everyone has complimented the music and loved the dancing, some want it all over agiain!! Can't thank you enough!! As for cds. please let me know about getting one x

The fabulous performance by the Grinnigogs really helped set the mood for our medieval themed corporate event. Our guests were highly entertained with an array of medieval melodies and their outfits were impressive too! Their flexible approach was wonderful and I would highly recommend the Grinngogs to anyone looking to host a medieval party!

Rebecca H, Marketing Coordinator, W....... Ltd.

Fabulous, many thanks, and thanks for all your hard work.
Julie at Cohesion Events

WOW...On behalf of The Savile Household, and our guests The Beaufort Companye and Knights in Battle, may I just just say what an absolutely brilliant time we all had at Bolton Castle last night.

Bolton itself is an excellent setting for a medieval banquet - what with the authentic rooms, candlelight, roaring fire (and roaring draughts!), plenty of drink and many many friends - it was all turned into a magical experience by the music and dancing of The Grinnigogs - you really turned the evening into something to remember. I cannot tell you how many compliments I have received about you and your music, and the atmosphere you created..... and why we have not come across you before!

Marie Kearney
Savile Household

The Grinnigogs Blog

Here you can find out what is happening behind the scenes in the weird and wonderful world of historical entertainers The Grinnigogs - We hope you enjoy reading about England's top medieval musicians.